Ben&Ben reflects on their music journey after drummer's injury

GMA Network

09-07-2025

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Ben&Ben relaunches 'The Traveller Across Dimensions' album tour with renewed purpose.
Ben&Ben is set to continue the Philippine leg of its The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour in August, adding Baguio City to its previously announced Bacolod City and Davao City stops.
The shows will take place on three consecutive weekends, starting with Bacolod City on August 16 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, Baguio City on August 23 at the John Hay Convention Center, and Davao City on August 30 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym.
Before these shows, the band will bring their music to Lincoln, California, for a one-night-only performance at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on July 12.
The country's biggest folk-pop band paused their album tour after its first stop in Cebu City on May 24 because drummer Jam Villanueva needed to rest and recover from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis and Drummer's Wrist on her left hand.
During this break, Ben&Ben recently took time to reflect on their music journey.
'We were faced with a great challenge that none of us expected. Nangyayari rin pala siya sa music. Akala namin sa sports lang siya nangyayari, na biglang may mai-injure,' said lead vocal and acoustic guitarist Miguel Benjamin Guico at the relaunch of The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour last Monday, June 30, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.
Before the question-and-answer segment, the band treated the press with a live performance of their songs 'Paninindigan Kita,' 'Autumn,' and their new single 'Saranggola.' Instead of Jam, the drums were played by Eo Marcos of Kjwan.
Later, Jam joined the group and told the press, 'I'm okay. I'm on the road to recovery naman. Dati kasi, hindi ko siya magalaw from this position [raised her left arm]. At least now, yung range of motion niya is there.'
As of that day, she was not sure if she would be able to join the upcoming shows of Ben&Ben.
She said, 'I'm still working on the strength of it. So, I can't tell pa now if I'm able to, but that's the goal. The goal is to be able to play as soon as I can in the best and healthiest way possible. Kasi siyempre, ayaw din natin yung bibiglain natin yung katawan ko 'tapos, magre-regress yung progress natin.
"The goal is to do it right. To be able to keep playing, that's the goal. I'm okay, nakakahugas na ako ng plato. I've graduated from mugs to plates, so that's good.'
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Despite this challenge, the band shared how the incident made them appreciate not just their craft, but also their bond as a family, and the purpose behind their music.
Andrew de Pano (percussion) related, 'Actually, when Jam was first showing signs of wrist thing, ang kulit niya, pinu-push niya talagang tumugtog. She didn't wanna stop until we could really see in her face na natatakot siya it might ruin her wrist for the long term.
'Honestly, I feel if it were up to Jam, she would still be playing and be gone next week. So, we really pushed for her to figure out what's wrong, to consult with a lot of doctors and physical therapists.'
'We were, honestly, more worried about her health and the longevity of playing. Kasi, we know how Jam embodies her love for playing and how much it means to her. Wala kaming feeling na, 'Hala, paano na yung next show.' It's really how can we best help Jam. Ayun, it's apparently a condition that would take a little bit more intensive healing. So, kung ano ang makakaya naming gawin.'
He also noted that this incident was 'It's a bit of an eye-opener, na hindi kami invincible.
'Kailangan nating i-take care ang ating joints, wrists, mag-vitamins, mag-rest, warm up before playing. I think we've been doing this for so long that we didn't realize how much of a physical job it is kasi ang bata pa namin dati.
'We were able to form… When you know how important something is, it kind of makes you closer to the people you experience it with. So, napaka-important nito sa aming family namin, itong band namin, that we really care for each other's health and with all the steps possible talaga na hindi mawawala ang isa't isa.'
After hearing words of support from her bandmates, Jam felt nothing but deep gratitude towards them
She said, 'I really felt the support of the team like everyone was, 'Don't worry about playing. Worry about your health. Put yourself first, this is your time to heal.' So, I really appreciate everyone in the team.'
Meanwhile, aside from the resumption of The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour, Ben&Ben also announced the extension of their ties with Sony Music Philippines.
Miguel said, 'Grabe, as in, we really took a lot of time to reflect on the future of our music journey. A huge part of that future is which record label we're partnering with.
'As we know, especially here in the Philippines and all over the world, record labels are an important part of the music industry. They really help push forward and deliver the music to artists' audiences, our fans, and our fan community.
'So, we're happy to announce that we're renewing our partnership with Sony Music Philippines and we are proud Sony Music Philippines artists.'
In her speech, Sony Music PH general manager Roslyn Pineda said, 'As we move forward, I'm excited to explore new horizons and continue our shared vision of bringing heartfelt melodies to people.'